Sasfin’s KZN office marked Mandela Day by providing essential supplies and support to The Sandfields Primary School, helping rebuild the community after a devastating tornado.
On Mandela Day, Sasfin’s KZN office dedicated their 67 minutes to supporting The Sandfields Primary School, which was impacted by a tornado on 3 June 2024. The tornado caused severe damage to the school’s infrastructure, leading to its temporary closure and putting the education of its young students on hold.
With a strong focus on youth development, getting involved in helping this school was a no-brainer for Sasfin. However, this was more than just corporate social responsibility; it was a personal choice for Sasfin’s Durban team. Jemaine Paul of Asset Finance had a personal connection to the school, as his girlfriend had attended it as a child and taught there.
Spearheaded by Sameera Fortune, the Facilities Officer of the KZN offices, our team’s involvement went beyond just a day of volunteering. It started with a day of packing stationery hampers and another day on which staff went to the school to hand deliver them.
When Sameera arrived at the school with Frances Dippenaar, an Asset Finance Account Executive and Warren Lester, the KZN Regional Manager, she was struck by the temporary containers serving as makeshift classrooms. The harsh conditions, with extreme heat and cold, underscored how needed the support was. Yet, amidst this challenging environment, the children’s enthusiasm and gratitude was palpable. “It was heartwarming to see their excitement,” Sameera reflected. “The kids were so well-behaved, lined up in their grades, and their smiles were priceless. It was a fulfilment on another level.”
Our team also got to meet the incredible teachers who have dedicated their lives to educating the next generation. Meeting teachers like Teacher Radhika and Teacher Singh, who shared their challenges and the resilience and love of learning of their students.
It was incredible seeing the immediate impact our contribution had and the joy and appreciation of the children and teachers at receiving the hampers. In line with Nelson Mandela’s belief that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”, this was a perfect way for the KZN office to spend Mandela Day. Not just giving, empowering the future leaders of South Africa.
As the day ended, the Sasfin team was left with a deep sense of fulfilment. They had not only given back but also connected with a community in need, making Mandela Day 2024 a truly meaningful experience. This is just the beginning, and Sasfin remains committed to furthering their efforts in youth development and education, ensuring that the legacy of Mandela lives on through their actions.
